How to Care for a Miniature Rose Bush

Overview

Miniature roses, as their name suggests, are tiny roses that are as small as a quarter or a dime. These hardy roses grow on bushes that grow from 8 to 24 inches high. Deliberately bred as a dwarf plant, these compact bushes possess most of the hardiness of ordinary rose bushes. Available in a wide variety of colors except blue, these rose bushes also form beautiful indoor potted plants, provided they are placed in a sunny spot such as a windowsill. Care for your miniature rose bush appropriately so dresses up your indoor or outdoor space with continual blooms.

Step 1

Dig a 1-foot deep and equally wide hole in a sunny spot (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight) that has well drained soil. Space multiple bushes a foot or more apart. If using it as a houseplant, make sure the container has adequate drainage holes. Spread a layer of broken pottery pieces or pebbles over the holes and fill with good quality potting soil. Place the potted miniature rose bush in a sunny south or west-facing window that receives at least five to six hours of sunlight.

Step 2

Water the miniature rose bush at soil level. Water everyday for the first three weeks so the soil is evenly moist at all times. After that, water the bush only when the soil feels dry.

Step 3

Feed your miniature rose bush a water-soluble rose fertilizer specified at one-fourth its strength. Fertilize every week to ten days, starting from when roses begin to bloom in March, all the way through to November (or six to eight weeks before the first expected frost). Let the bush rest in the winter, and start fertilizing again from spring.

Step 4

Prune the bush in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Snip off dead or drying flowers or foliage first. Then cut the foliage back to one-third to maintain the shape and appearance, and encourage bushy growth.

Step 5

Spray your miniature rose bush with insecticidal soapy solution to deter pests such as white fly, aphids and Japanese beetles. Use a mild fungicide for stubborn pests or for large infestations. In such a case, wear a facemask and follow manufacturers directions for application.